5/25/06-A bill that was intended to keep most drivers out of Florida’s fast lanes has died.
Sponsored by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, S224 remained in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee when the session ended, effectively killing it for the year.
Dubbed the “Road Rage Reduction Act,” it would have given law enforcement more authority to ticket drivers who block traffic, even if they are driving the speed limit. A failure to yield would have been included as one of the offenses that make up “aggressive careless driving.”
The bill would have prohibited travelers from driving in the left lane of a multi-lane highway when they are about to be overtaken by another vehicle.
Three driving offenses must be committed at one time to constitute “aggressive careless driving.”
Violators would have faced a $100 fine in addition to any other fines. Repeat offenders would have faced as much as a $500 fine and a mandatory court appearance.
A similar House bill – HB1395 – also died.

3/30/06-The Senate Transportation Committee has unanimously approved a bill intended to keep most drivers out of Florida’s fast lanes.
Dubbed the “Road Rage Reduction Act,” it would give law enforcement more authority to ticket drivers who block traffic, even if they are driving the speed limit. A failure to yield would be included as one of the offenses that make up “aggressive careless driving.”
Sponsored by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, S224 would prohibit travelers from driving in the left lane of a multi-lane highway when they are about to be overtaken by another vehicle.
Three driving offenses must be committed at one time to constitute “aggressive careless driving.”
Violators would face a $100 fine in addition to any other fines. Repeat offenders would face as much as a $500 fine and a mandatory court appearance.
The measure faces two more committee stops before it can head to the full Senate.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.
A similar House bill – HB1395 – was approved by the House Transportation Committee. It faces two more committees before it can head to the full House.

12/16/05-Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, has filed a bill intended to combat aggressive driving on the state’s multi-lane highways.
S224, also known as the Road Rage Reduction Act, is designed to reduce the amount of drivers in the left lane.
Bennett’s bill would give troopers the flexibility to ticket drivers who go too slowly in the left lane, blocking the normal flow of traffic.
Those who lag in the left lane could be ticketed and fined $60 with four points against their driver’s licenses.
The law would not apply when there are no other vehicles in the left lane.
The bill has been referred to three Senate panels for review once the regular session begins in March.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.